Open frame clasping holster

ABSTRACT

Clasping holders, such as weapon holsters, are described including one or more of a first part configured to attach the holder to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE); a holding part configured to hold an accessory in at least one direction; a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and a release mechanism. The second part may transition between a first position that holds the accessory in the holder and a second position that allows the accessory to be drawn from the holder. The release mechanism may be at least partially received by the first part, and may be configured to release the second part from the first position to the second position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/029,852, filed on Jul. 28, 2014, entitled “OPEN HOLSTER,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to holsters for firearms, such as pistols, submachine guns, grenade launchers, etc, as well as holders for tactical accessories.

There is an ongoing need to provide holsters that securely hold various firearms, including accessories such as silencers, lights, lasers, etc., in a secure, yet readily accessible, manner. Moreover, there are ongoing needs for such systems to allow firearms to be drawn from, and returned to, the holster while wearing other cumbersome equipment that can, for example, inhibit the operator's range of motion.

The present subject matter overcomes at least some aspects of the historical challenges in this area by providing configurations related to, for example, semi-open holsters that can accommodate weapons with various accessories.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to first aspects of the invention, a system for connecting accessories to a harness may include one or more of a carrier configured for wearing on a user's body or otherwise mounting to tactical equipment; an accessory holder configured to attach to the carrier via a first connector fixedly attached to the accessory holder, and a second connector fixedly attached to the carrier; and a release mechanism for releasing the accessory holder from the carrier.

As used herein, “up” and “down” with respect to a holster correspond to an axis extending substantially in the direction of a weapon barrel when the weapon is placed in the holster, with down being toward the end of the barrel and up being away from the end of the barrel. See y direction in FIG. 2. As used herein, “forward” and “back” with respect to a holster correspond to an axis extending substantially in the direction of a pistol-type grip when the weapon is placed in the holster, with back being toward the end of the pistol grip and forward being away from the end of the pistol grip. See x direction in FIG. 2. As used herein, “inward” and “outward” with respect to a holster correspond to an axis extending substantially perpendicular to both of the barrel and the pistol-type grip when the weapon is placed in the holster, with inward being toward the wearer's body and outward being away from the wearer's body. See z direction in FIG. 3.

According to further aspects of the invention, a weapon holster may include one or more of a first part configured to attach to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE); a holder configured to hold a forward part of a weapon in at least one direction; a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and a release mechanism attached to the first part and configured to release the second part from a first position that holds the weapon in the holster to a second position that allows the weapon to be drawn from the holster.

In embodiments, the release mechanism may include a button that may be accessible from the top of the holster, and that may be configured to be manipulated by the user's thumb when the user draws the weapon from the holster.

In embodiments, the holder may be fixedly attached to, or monolithically formed with, the first part, and the holder may be substantially channel-shaped with an at least partially closed end and an open top, and may include at least one rail configured to engage with a corresponding rail of the weapon and to restrain the weapon from being moved forward while holstered.

In embodiments, the second part may include a projecting portion configured to fit at least partially within a trigger guard of the weapon in the first position, the second part moves away from the first part as it travels from the first position to the second position, and the projecting portion is clear of the trigger guard in the second position.

Embodiments may include a rail that is fixedly attached to the second part, that is received at least partially in a channel of the first part in the first position, and that may be configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the first part.

In embodiments, the first part or the second part may include a spring that pushes the second part away from the first part to move the second part to the second position.

Embodiments may include a locking mechanism configured to hold the second part in the first position under tension, and to release the second part from the first position when the release mechanism is activated.

In embodiments, the first part may include a plurality of integral mounting elements configured to attach the holster to the belt or LBE.

In embodiments, the holster may be open in the forward direction.

In embodiments, the holster may be configured to attach to a carrier such as a chest, side or back plate, a load bearing equipment, a belt, a vest, a ballistic plate carrier, a backpack, a harness, and/or another holster.

According to further aspects of the invention, a tactical accessory holder may include one or more of a first part configured to attach to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE); a holding part configured to hold at least part of an accessory in at least one direction; a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and a release mechanism at least partially received by the first part and configured to release the second part from a first position that holds the accessory in the holder to a second position that allows the accessory to be drawn from the holder.

In embodiments, the release mechanism may include a button that may be configured to be manipulated by a user's thumb or finger when the user draws the accessory from the holder.

In embodiments, the holder may be fixedly attached to, or monolithically formed with, the first part, and the holder has a substantially c-shaped cross section, with an at least partially closed end, and the holder may include at least one surface feature configured to engage with a corresponding surface feature of the accessory and to restrain the accessory from being moved forward while in the holder.

In embodiments, the holder may be configured to hold at least one of a firearm, a firearm magazine, a radio, a tool, a grenade, or other tactical equipment or ordnance.

In embodiments, a rail or other element may be fixedly attached to the second part and received at least partially in a channel of the first part in the first position, and configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the first part. In embodiments, a rail or other element may be fixedly attached to the first part and received at least partially in a channel of the second part in the first position, and configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the second part.

In embodiments, the first part and/or the second part may include a spring that pushes the second part away from the first part to move or rotate the second part to the second position.

Embodiments may include a locking mechanism configured to hold the second part in the first position under tension, and to release the second part from the first position when the release mechanism is activated.

In embodiments, the first part may include a plurality of integral mounting elements configured to attach the holster to the belt or LBE.

In embodiments, the holder may be open in the forward direction.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention claimed. The detailed description and the specific examples, however, indicate only preferred embodiments of the invention. Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the related technology. No attempt is made to show structural details of technology in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary holster according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary holster according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary holster in a closed position according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary holster in an open position according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing details of a trigger guard and retaining element according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows left and right side views of an exemplary holster holding a silencer-equipped pistol according to aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, etc., described herein, as these may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It also is to be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a rail” is a reference to one or more rails and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law.

Various tactical accessory holders, including weapon holsters, are contemplated in connection with the invention. In some examples, such holders may include a “clasping” mechanism whereby a first part is connected to a belt or LBE and a second part moves (for example) toward the first part to hold the accessory and away from the first part to release the accessory. Holding the accessory can include specialized engagement, e.g. by engaging a weapon trigger guard, or rail, or by engaging with the surface features of other accessories. The second part may be configured to rotate (at least partially), or move substantially laterally, e.g. using a rail, channel etc.

FIGS. 1-4 show an exemplary holster 100 including a first part 110, a second part 120, a channel 130, rails 132, relief patterns 112 and a release mechanism 140. In this example, all of the first part 110 and second part 120 may be formed of a light metal such as aluminum, or by other substantially rigid materials. The rails 132 may be configured to engage with rails of a weapon such as a pistol 200 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exemplary holster in a closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the channel 130 includes a closed end at the “bottom” of the holster 100, and the button for release mechanism 140 is located at the “top” of the holster 100. Thus, the rails of the holder may prevent the weapon from being moved “forward” relative to the holster and the closed end of the channel may stop the weapon from continuing “down” after reaching the stop. The interior surface of first part 110 is substantially flat, with certain surface relief features, such as 112 shown in FIG. 1, to accommodate appendages of the weapon. First part 110 may also include a plurality of attachment features (e.g. holes) that can be used to attach the holster 100 to a belt or LBE. Other attachment features are also possible, such as rails, spears, hook and loop, or other male/female engagement mechanisms.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second part 120 may also include a protrusion 122 that is configured to engage with or press against a trigger guard when the weapon is holstered and the holster closed. In other examples, such as other holsters and/or accessory holders, such protrusions may be formed to engage with any void or surface relief feature of the weapon or accessory being held.

FIG. 4 shows an example of second part 120 moving to a second position in which the second part 120 moves outward and away from the first part 110, and the protrusion 122 moves to a position that would clear the trigger guard of the weapon. In other examples, such as other holsters and/or accessory holders, the protrusion or surface relief feature of the second part may be formed to disengage with the corresponding void or surface relief feature of the weapon or accessory when the second part moves (or rotates) to the second position.

Movement of the second part shown in FIG. 4 may be guided, for example, by rails 124, 126 which may be fixedly attached to the second part 120, and which may be received by channels in the first part 110 (or vice versa). Movement of the second part shown in FIG. 4 may be caused, for example, by a spring loaded actuator that is released by release mechanism 140 acting on the rail(s) 124 and/or 126. For example, closing second part 120 (as in FIG. 3) may load a spring acting on rail 124 and/or 126. A detent in rail 124 and/or 126 may be engaged by a locking element to hold the second part in the first (closed) position shown in FIG. 3. When the release mechanism 140 is actuated, the locking element releases the detent in rail 124 and/or 126 and the spring pushes the second part 120 away from first part 110 to the second position shown in FIG. 4. As mentioned previously, various movements of second parts are contemplated, depending on the firearm or accessory that the holder is designed to hold, and may include upward and/or downward movement, rotation, swinging, etc.

An example of how a protrusion 122 can engage with a trigger guard 202 without engaging trigger 204 is shown in FIG. 5, however many other configurations are possible. In that example, the trigger can be kept from engaging with the protrusion 122, for example, by the pistol being seated against a stop (not shown), such as the closed end of channel 130 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a pistol 200 with a silencer 210 being holstered in holster 100. As will be appreciated, the ability to holster and unholster the pistol 200 is significantly enhanced compared to a holster with a “closed” configuration. That is, rather than wrapping all the way around the barrel or other part of the weapon (as most holsters do), according to aspects of the invention, an “open” clasping holster and/or holder can be provided that allows a relatively long weapon or other accessory to be holstered without requiring the weapon or accessory to be inserted or extracted from the holster in a substantially lengthwise fashion. In this regard, although some examples of the invention may include a holder with rails that allow a relatively short lengthwise insertion and extraction, this is considerably shorter than the insertion or extraction that would be required based on the length of the weapon. Such systems may be advantageously used with other weapons and/or accessories, particularly those with a long or tall form factor. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 6, attaching a scope, reflex sight, or other bulky accessory to the top of pistol 200 would not affect the holstering or drawing of the pistol from holster 100.

While various embodiments have been described above, it is to be understood that the examples and embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art, and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the above description should not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weapon holster, comprising: a first part configured to attach to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE); a holder configured to hold a forward part of a weapon in at least one direction; a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and a release mechanism attached to the first part and configured to release the second part from a first position that holds the weapon in the holster to a second position that allows the weapon to be drawn from the holster.
 2. The holster of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism includes a button that is accessible from the top of the holster and that is configured to be manipulated by the user's thumb when the user draws the weapon from the holster.
 3. The holster of claim 1, wherein the holder is at least one of fixedly attached to, or monolithically formed with, the first part, and the holder is substantially channel-shaped with an at least partially closed end and an open top, the holder further including at least one rail configured to engage with a corresponding rail of the weapon and to restrain the weapon from being moved forward while holstered.
 4. The holster of claim 1, wherein the second part includes a projecting portion configured to fit at least partially within a trigger guard of the weapon in the first position, the second part moves away from the first part as it travels from the first position to the second position, and the projecting portion is clear of the trigger guard in the second position.
 5. The holster of claim 1, further comprising a rail that is fixedly attached to the second part and that is received at least partially in a channel of the first part in the first position, and that is configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the first part.
 6. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first part includes a spring that pushes the second part away from the first part to move the second part to the second position.
 7. The holster of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the second part in the first position under tension, and to release the second part from the first position when the release mechanism is activated.
 8. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first part includes a plurality of integral mounting elements configured to attach the holster to the belt or LBE.
 9. The holster of claim 1, wherein the holster is open in the forward direction.
 10. The holster of claim 1, wherein the first part configured to attach to at least one of a chest, side or back plate, a vest, a ballistic plate carrier, a backpack, a harness, and/or a holster.
 11. A holder, comprising: a first part configured to attach to a belt or other load bearing equipment (LBE); a holding part configured to hold at least part of an accessory in at least one direction; a second part configured to move relative to the first part; and a release mechanism at least partially received by the first part and configured to release the second part from a first position that holds the accessory in the holder to a second position that allows the accessory to be drawn from the holder.
 12. The holder of claim 11, wherein the release mechanism includes a button that is configured to be manipulated by a user's thumb or finger when the user draws the accessory from the holder.
 13. The holder of claim 11, wherein the holder is at least one of fixedly attached to, or monolithically formed with, the first part, and the holder has a substantially c-shaped cross section, with an at least partially closed end, and the holder further includes at least one surface feature configured to engage with a corresponding surface feature of the accessory and to restrain the accessory from being moved forward while in the holder.
 14. The holder of claim 11, wherein the holder is configured to hold at least one of a firearm, a firearm magazine, a radio, a tool, a grenade, tactical equipment or ordnance.
 15. The holder of claim 11, further comprising a rail or other element that is fixedly attached to the second part and that is received at least partially in a channel of the first part in the first position, and that is configured to guide the second part as it travels from the first position to the second position by sliding within the channel of the first part.
 16. The holder of claim 11, wherein the first part includes a spring that pushes the second part away from the first part to move the second part to the second position.
 17. The holder of claim 11, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the second part in the first position under tension, and to release the second part from the first position when the release mechanism is activated.
 18. The holder of claim 11, wherein the first part includes a plurality of integral mounting elements configured to attach the holster to the belt or LBE.
 19. The holder of claim 11, wherein the holder is open in the forward direction. 